Rent is due. Your grocery bill is higher than expected. Maybe your landlord has sent a notice, or you’ve finally found an affordable apartment but can’t cover the security deposit. For many Philadelphia households, one unexpected expense can put housing at risk. If you’re searching for rental assistance Philadelphia resources, there are local organizations that may help with overdue rent, security deposits, utility bills, and homelessness prevention.
The challenge is knowing where to start.
This guide explains which organizations to contact, where to find emergency housing support, and how families can help older loved ones maintain stability at home.
Key Takeaways
- Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services is a key starting point for rental assistance and homelessness prevention.
- Some nonprofits may help with back rent, security deposits, or housing counseling, depending on eligibility and funding.
- New Kensington CDC has temporarily paused new applications for its Housing Stability Assistance Program as of October 2026.
- Residents facing homelessness can visit City-funded daytime or after-hours intake centers.
- People with eviction notices should seek tenant legal assistance promptly.
- Pristine Home Care provides non-medical daily living assistance, not rent payments, shelter, or legal representation.
Where Can You Get Rental Assistance in Philadelphia?
Start with the Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services (OHS), then contact organizations that serve your specific household or neighborhood.
The City identifies assistance that may help eligible residents with overdue rent, security deposits, and homelessness prevention. You can contact the Homelessness Prevention InfoLine at (215) 686-7177 or visit a City-funded intake center.
For additional options, the Philly Tenant rental assistance directory organizes resources by household type.
Philadelphia Rental Assistance Programs: Where to Start
| Organization and website | Assistance to ask about | Contact or application |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia Office of Homeless Services | Overdue rent, security deposits, homelessness prevention | (215) 686-7177 |
| Utility Emergency Services Fund (UESF) | Back rent, utility assistance, and available financial support | (215) 972-5170 |
| Esperanza | Past-due rent and security deposits | (215) 324-0746 |
| New Kensington CDC | Housing counseling; rental and relocation assistance program currently paused for new applicants | (215) 427-0350 |
| HopePHL | Housing stability and assistance for individuals and families | (267) 720-HOPE |
| Congreso de Latinos Unidos | Housing counseling, rental assistance, and security deposit support | (215) 763-8870 |
| Veterans Multi-Service Center | Housing assessments and support for veterans | (215) 923-2600 |
Before applying: Contact the organization to confirm current funding, geographic eligibility, required documents, and whether it is accepting applications.
The City also maintains a broader directory of agencies that support tenants at risk of eviction.
Need Help Paying Back Rent in Philadelphia?
If you’ve missed a rent payment, you don’t need to wait for the situation to become a housing emergency before looking for resources.
Start with these steps.
1. Gather Your Rent Information
Review your lease, payment records, current balance, and any notices from your landlord. If possible, request an accurate rent ledger showing what you owe.
2. Contact the Office of Homeless Services
The City says eligible households may qualify for financial assistance or other homelessness prevention support. Call (215) 686-7177 and follow the instructions. The line provides a recorded message. You can also visit an intake center for an assessment.
3. Check Community Organizations
The UESF General Fund is listed as a potential resource for past-due rent and utilities.
HopePHL serves Philadelphia children, youth, families, and communities through housing and social support programs.
New Kensington CDC offers housing counseling and related resources, although its Housing Stability Assistance Program has temporarily paused new applications. Contact each organization to confirm what is currently available.
4. Keep Records of Every Application
Record whom you contacted, the date, required documents, and any follow-up instructions. Applying for assistance does not automatically stop eviction proceedings.
What Places Help With Security Deposits?
Philadelphia’s Office of Homeless Services and some community organizations may assist eligible households with security deposits or move-in costs.
Finding an affordable apartment is one challenge. Paying the costs required to move in is another. If you’re looking for places that help with security deposits, consider these resources.
Office of Homeless Services
The City specifically identifies security deposit assistance as a potential form of homelessness prevention support.
Visit the Office of Homeless Services or call (215) 686-7177.
Esperanza
The Philly Tenant listing for Esperanza identifies assistance for past-due rent or security deposits. Call (215) 324-0746 or follow the listed appointment process.
Other Community Organizations
Congreso de Latinos Unidos is another organization listed for rental and security deposit support. Some programs may also help with first month’s rent or other approved move-in expenses. Ask about the exact costs covered before applying.
Documents You May Need
Depending on the program, prepare:
- Identification for adult household members
- Proof of household income
- Lease or proposed rental agreement
- Rent balance or landlord statement
- Eviction or court documents, if applicable
- Security deposit amount
- Household information
The City’s homelessness assistance guidance identifies recent proof of income and household identification documents among the requirements. Ask the intake team which documents are necessary for your situation.
What If You Have an Eviction Notice?
Seek qualified tenant legal assistance as soon as possible.
Philadelphia’s eviction prevention resources may help tenants understand their options, legal deadlines, and available assistance.
Call the Philly Tenant Hotline at (267) 443-2500. You can also visit the City’s eviction legal assistance page. Do not assume that a pending rental assistance application pauses a court case or changes a deadline. If you are unsure what a notice means, contact a qualified housing legal service.
Where Can You Go If You're Facing Homelessness?
The Office of Homeless Services provides assessments and may connect eligible individuals or families with shelter, prevention services, case management, or other resources. Assistance depends on circumstances and availability.
Philadelphia Daytime Homeless Intake Centers
| Center | Address | Hours | Phone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appletree Family Center | 1430 Cherry St. | Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. | (215) 686-7150 |
| Roosevelt Darby Center | 804 N. Broad St. | Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–5 p.m. | (215) 685-3700 |
| Veterans Multi-Service Center | 213–217 N. 4th St. | Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m.–2 p.m. | (215) 923-2600 |
These locations provide shelter or diversion assessments.
Philadelphia After-Hours Intake Centers
| Center | Who it serves | Address | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red Shield Family Residence | Families | 715 N. Broad St. | 5 p.m.–7 a.m., weekends and holidays |
| ACTS After Hour Intake Site | Families | 1300 E. Tulpehocken St. | Weekdays, 5 p.m.–7 a.m.; 24 hours on weekends and holidays |
| Mike Hinson Resource Center | Single men | 1701 W. Lehigh Ave. | 3 p.m.–11 p.m., including weekends and holidays |
| Gaudenzia's House of Passage | Single women | 111 N. 49th St., entrance on 48th St. | 5 p.m.–7 a.m., including weekends and holidays |
The City says individuals are welcome to visit the center that most closely fits their gender identity.
Important: During a declared snow emergency, daytime centers close, while after-hours centers remain open around the clock until the emergency ends. Always verify hours and intake arrangements through the City’s official intake center directory before traveling.
What Happens During an Intake Assessment?
At a City-funded intake center, a social work services manager assesses the individual or household’s situation. The process may involve questions about family composition, income, housing circumstances, and identification.
Depending on the assessment, staff may connect residents with:
- Emergency or temporary housing
- Housing case management
- Legal services
- Children’s and youth services
- Veteran services
- Mental health or other community support
- Transitional or longer-term housing resources
The City says households cannot be denied shelter entrance solely because they lack identification or guardianship documents. For people ages 16–24, the City also lists specialized youth access points. For domestic violence survivors, the City directs people to Women Against Abuse at (866) 723-3014, available day and night.
Why Housing Instability Hits Older Philadelphians Hard
An older resident may have spent decades in the same home, close to neighbors, familiar businesses, and family members. Philadelphia’s history reaches back to William Penn’s founding of the city in 1682. Many neighborhoods still reflect generations of life in traditional rowhouses. But housing affordability is only one challenge. An older adult may also struggle with stairs, groceries, personal care, or transportation.
Winter can make those challenges more difficult. The National Weather Service’s Philadelphia-area office tracks freezing temperatures, snow, ice, and other regional weather conditions. For someone living on a fixed income, heating bills and other winter expenses can create additional financial pressure.
Housing stability may require a combination of financial assistance, safe living conditions, and practical daily support.
Can Home Care Help Someone Stay in Their Home?
Non-medical home care may help an older adult or eligible person with a disability manage everyday activities while remaining in a familiar home.
It does not pay rent, prevent eviction, or provide housing placement.
However, for someone whose housing is stable but who needs help with daily routines, professional support may be worth exploring.
Pristine Home Care provides non-medical services that may include:
- Bathing and dressing assistance
- Meal preparation
- Companionship
- Mobility support
- Assistance with everyday routines
- Other approved personal care activities
Explore Pristine’s home care services and personal care assistance.
Some eligible individuals may receive authorized home-based services through Pennsylvania’s Community HealthChoices program. Eligibility and coverage requirements apply. For families comparing housing options, Pristine’s guide to low-income housing in Philadelphia provides additional information.
Your Philadelphia Housing Assistance Checklist
If you’re trying to help yourself or someone you love, start here.
- Review rent, utilities, and essential monthly expenses.
- Gather your lease, income documents, and identification.
- Contact the Office of Homeless Services.
- Check which nonprofits serve your household or neighborhood.
- Ask whether assistance covers overdue rent, security deposits, or both.
- Seek legal help promptly if an eviction notice has arrived.
- Verify intake center hours if emergency housing is needed.
- Keep records of applications and follow-up dates.
- If an older adult is involved, review whether daily living support is also needed.
Get the Right Support for Your Next Step
A stable home matters. So does the support available inside it.
If you’re behind on rent, facing eviction, or experiencing homelessness, contact the housing and legal assistance organizations above. Those are the appropriate resources for financial assistance and emergency housing. If you or an older loved one already has housing but needs help with daily activities, Pristine Home Care can help you explore non-medical care options.
Need care for yourself or a loved one?
Complete Pristine’s Client Registration Form or call (215) 621-7431 to discuss available services and next steps.
Interested in becoming a caregiver?
Explore Pristine’s Caregiver Career Opportunities, including possible family caregiving arrangements for eligible individuals. For questions about Pristine’s services, contact our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I apply for rental assistance in Philadelphia?
A: Start with the Office of Homeless Services at (215) 686-7177 or review the Philly Tenant rental assistance directory.
Q: What places help with security deposits in Philadelphia?
A: The Office of Homeless Services, Esperanza, and certain community organizations may provide assistance for eligible households when funding is available.
Q: Can I get help with the first month's rent?
A: Some homelessness prevention programs may help with approved move-in costs. Contact the program to confirm current eligibility and funding.
Q: What if I'm about to become homeless?
A: Contact the Office of Homeless Services or visit a City-funded intake center. The City provides daytime and after-hours intake options.
Q: Does the City offer help for families with children?
A: Yes. The City’s homelessness response system includes services for families. HopePHL and other organizations also provide family-focused housing and social support.
Q: Can seniors get help with rent?
A: Older adults may qualify for housing assistance based on income, housing circumstances, and program rules. Age alone does not guarantee approval.
Q: Does Medicaid cover rent?
A: Medicaid generally does not cover ordinary household rent. Certain programs may cover authorized care services for eligible individuals.
Q: Can Pristine Home Care help someone remain at home?
A: Pristine provides non-medical assistance with daily activities. It does not provide rental assistance, but it can discuss home care options for individuals who need support.
